Determine College Students Research Articles

Determinants of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination intentions among young adult college students using the theory of planned behavior

Purpose: To determine college students’ intentions to be Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinated. Methods: The study was comprised of college students aged 18–45 years. A survey was developed based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). The significance of the TPB constructs—attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control—and an additional construct—knowledge—in predicting intention were assessed. Results: The regression model containing attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control accounted for 40% of the variance in intention. Attitude and subjective norms were significant predictors, while perceived behavioral control was not. Provider recommendation was the only significant covariate. Knowledge did not significantly contribute to the model. Discussion: The TPB was useful in predicting HPV vaccination intentions. A focus on attitude, subjective norms and provider recommendation may be useful in creating new or enhancing existing interventions.

Dominant factors that determine college students completing studies in mathematics education study programs

Failure to graduate on time is a problem for both the university and the students themselves. Beside the competencies possessed by students, many other factors affect the completion of student studies. This study aims to reduce the variables that really affect the completion of student studies. The approach of this research was survey research on students of the Mathematics Education Study Program at least in semester 7 (currently taking a final project course). There are 17 factors that determine the completion of student studies, namely achievement motivation, discipline, interest, intelligence, study habits, health, part-time work activities, organizational activities, curriculum, mentoring methods, student relations with lecturers, availability of books, internet facilities, family economic conditions, relationships with parents and family members, friends, and social environment. Data analysis was conducted using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method to obtain the dominant factor. Based on the results of the study, four main factors that affect the completion of student studies are formed, namely: (1) the first factor: motivation and academic ability; (2) the second factor: activities and social environment; (3) the third factor: facilities and family; and (4) the fourth factor: thesis guidance. The four factors can explain the dominant factor in student study completion at 86.54%, with details of motivation and academic ability at 37.57%, activities and social environment at 26.34%, facilities and family at 15.21%, and thesis guidance at 7.42%.

What factors determine college students’ green purchase behavior? An empirical investigation of the modified model of goal-directed behavior

ABSTRACT Human activities are important causal factors driving global warming and environmental degradation. Nowadays, consumers have become more aware that their consumption patterns are one of the main causes of environmental damage, bringing attention to various environmental issues. In this context, sustainable products (e.g., green products) are becoming increasingly popular. This study proposes an extended model of goal-directed behavior by including pollution avoidance intention and willingness to be environmentally friendly to offer a more comprehensive explanation of the decision making process of college students’ green purchase behavior. A structured questionnaire survey was made to gather data from 503 participants in Taiwan before partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to examine the sampled data and analyze the research hypotheses. The findings indicate that (1) anticipated emotions, perceived behavioral control subjective norms, attitudes, and are the key factors of forming desires, which, in turn, influence pollution avoidance intention; and (2) willingness to be environmentally friendly, perceived behavioral control, and pollution avoidance intention are crucial to college students’ green purchase behavior. Furthermore, desire serves as an essential mediator and has the strongest effect on pollution avoidance intention. The discoveries of this research are expected to bring better understanding of the decision-making processes behind college students’ green purchase behavior.

Which factors determine students’ water-saving behaviors? Evidence from China colleges

ABSTRACT In this paper, we attempt to answer the following questions: Which factors determine college students’ water-saving behaviors? The answer can enable colleges to take targeted water management measures to promote water-saving behaviors of students. Based on the theory of planned behavior and the combination of attitude-situation-behavior theory, this paper built a comprehensive theoretical model with sociodemographic characteristics, psychological characteristics as external dependent latent variables, situational factors as moderating variables, and water-saving behaviors as internal dependent latent variables. The research investigated 742 students in China colleges, and used corresponding methods to analyze the different types of the influencing factors of students’ water-saving behaviors. The results show that the sociodemographic characteristics of college students have no significant impact on water-saving behaviors; the psychological characteristics have a significant impact on individual water-saving behaviors; the situational factors have a significant moderating effect on individual water-saving behaviors of students.

Predictors of the Level of Knowledge about Sexual Harassment and Assault among College Students: A Chi-Squared Automatic Interaction Detection Analysis

This study aims to determine college students’ levels of knowledge about sexual harassment and assault, and to identify the predictors of this level of knowledge. Participants have been selected using a multi-stage sampling method and consist of 7,302 college students from a state college in Turkey. The age of participants ranged from 17 years to 29 years with a mean age of 21.33 years (SD = 2.04). The Sexual Harassment and Assault Knowledge Test, the Survey of College Students’ Exposure to Sexual Harassment and Assault, and a socio-demographic form were used to obtain data from the sample. The two-steps cluster analysis revealed that 70.2 % of the all participants had moderate level of knowledge about sexual harassment and assault, while 13.6 % had a low level of knowledge and 16.2 % had high level of knowledge. The CHAID analysis indicated that sex was the main predictor of level of knowledge about sexual harassment and assault. Also, exposure to sexual harassment or assault, dating experience, and having gender-equality education were found as other predictor variables. Finally, classification accuracy of the CHAID model was found 79.5 % within the sample.

College Students’ Perceptions of Stress and Coping Mechanisms

Background: Typical college students experience stressors every day. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine college students’ perceptions of stress and coping mechanisms. Method: A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional, descriptive research design was used to assess students’ perception of stress and coping mechanisms. To collect data, a survey tool was used to answer 6 demographic and twenty-five survey items on a 4-point Likert-type scale. Two central research questions guided the study: (1) What are college students’ perceptions of stress? and (2) What are college students’ perceptions of coping mechanisms? Results: The responses to these questions were analyzed and the implications are discussed. Conclusion: College students agree that college life is stressful and that their level of stress increases significantly before exams. In addition, students reported that expectations to excel in classes cause additional stress. Students reported a variety of coping mechanisms, including listening to music, socializing with friends/family, and sitting alone in a quiet place.

College Students’ Perceptions of Influenza Vaccination and Childhood Immunizations

Background: After reviewing the literature on flu vaccinations and childhood immunizations, it was concluded that participation in these preventative measures is beneficial to health in increasing the chances of protection from specific diseases. Further studies show that not all college students receive them or plan to have their prospective children vaccinated. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine college students’ perception of influenza vaccination and childhood immunizations. Method: This was a quantitative, non-experimental study with a descriptive design using two open-ended questions to enhance data collection. A total of 120 college students were recruited to participate in this study. The research questions were: “What are college students’ perceptions of influenza vaccination?” and “What are college students’ perceptions of childhood immunizations?” The health belief model was used to guide the study. Results/Conclusion: Survey results showed that many students in a Christian college believe immunization is effective and plan to immunize their future children. However, a few students stated a desire to learn more about immunization.

Relationships Effecting College Students’ Perception of Family Influence Impacting their Health and Lifestyle

The purpose of this cross-sectional, nonexperimental descriptive design study was to determine college students’ perception of family influence impacting their health and lifestyle. The sample included 120 college students in a faithbased institution and each student completed a Likert-type survey (4-point agreement scale) that investigated their perception of health, and the degree of influence peers and family had on their health. This second data analysis reports correlations between variables and group differences related to health perceptions and behaviours. The strongest correlation is between ‘family demonstration of positive health habits’ and ‘personal health practices being like my families’ (r = 0.671, p < 0.01), a moderate relationship supported by other weaker positive correlations to specific health outcomes. Negative correlations between ‘my friends display more positive health habits than family’ and both ‘family has influenced my idea of health’ and ‘my health practices are similar to my family’ indicate the potential for other contextual factors to effect family impact. While differences relating to health influence and outcomes between groups formed by age, gender, ethnicity, family structure and religion were found, the variable related to most healthy lifestyle transmission elements was ‘My family demonstrates positive health habits’. Recommendations supporting improved societal health are offered, together with suggestions for further research. Group classifications that are fixed but might inform interactions with elements of cohorts are identified, together with group memberships which might be changed to enhance health options. Caution in the generalisation of these findings is advised due to the explained limitations of this study.

College Students’ Perception of Family Influence Impacting their Health and Lifestyle

Christian family life affects the entire family, including students once they leave home. The purpose of this study was to determine college students’ perception of the influence of family on health. This was a cross-sectional, non-experimental study with a descriptive design. The study included 120 college students in a faith-based institution. Each student completed a Likert-type survey that pertained to their perception of health, and the degree of influence peers and family have on their health. The data analysis showed that college students perceive family influence on stress, spiritual health, and peer association to be influenced by the family. The social learning theory was used to guide the process of this study.

College Students’ Stress Coping Behaviors and Perception of Stress-Effects Holistically

Objective: The purpose of the current study was to determine college students’ stress coping behaviors and perception of stress-effects holistically (emotionally, mentally, and physically).Participants: The current study was conducted using a convenience sample of 120 students in a Midwestern Christian college with a student population of about 2000. Participants were mostly from the education, nursing, and ministry departments.Method: A quantitative, cross-sectional, with a descriptive survey design was most suitable for this study.Results: Students deal with stressors in positive and negative ways. Positive ways included exercise, depending more on faith, and telling themselves that everything will be “Okay.” Negative ways included eating more, sleeping less, increased use of the Internet and more procrastination.Conclusions: College students are aware of constructive ways to cope with stress; however, these techniques are rarely used.

College Students’ Knowledge of Risk Factors Related to Cardiovascular Disease

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a prevalent health issue, accounting for a large proportion of deaths worldwide. Despite the high prevalence of this potentially detrimental condition, many college students are not fully aware of its contributing risk factors. The purpose of the current study was to determine college students’ knowledge of risk factors related to CVD. Methods: This was a quantitative, cross-sectional study with a descriptive design. A survey with 5 demographic questions and 20 Likert-type statements was administered to 118 students in a Midwestern college in the United States. Results: The majority of the students displayed knowledge of risk factors such as smoking tobacco, inactive lifestyle, hypertension, low intake of fruits and vegetables, elevated cholesterol levels, high dietary sodium and obesity. However, a knowledge deficit existed regarding gender and ethnicity, which are non-modifiable risk factors, albeit important considerations.Conclusions: Although students appeared knowledgeable about areas such as cholesterol in cardiovascular health, further education could be beneficial to improve this knowledge base.

College Student Knowledge and Perceptions of Invasive Species

The purpose of this study was to determine college students’ understanding of invasive species and their support for plant and animal pest control and eradication methods. Surveys were administered at a university and community college in Texas in biology and agriculture departments. A total of 533 respondents participated in the study. Most students said they were not part of any type of environmental organization and felt they were not very informed about invasive species issues. More students reported learning about invasive species in high school than in college courses. The average score on knowledge questions related to invasive and native plants and animals was 32%. Most students underestimated the negative impact of invasive species but many were aware of costs to manage those species. Reliable reported sources of information included environmental organizations, college courses, and the Internet. Pearson product-moment correlations showed positive relationships between students who had college class instruction regarding invasive species and positive attitudes toward management of invasive species. Positive relationships were also found between instruction and an awareness of invasive plants or animals. Respondents who were knowledgeable of invasive species in the community had more positive attitudes toward the management of invasive species. In demographic comparisons, differences were found with males, upperclassmen, and those identifying as Caucasian or other having more knowledge of invasive species and more positive attitudes toward their management.

American College Students’ Knowledge, Perceptions, and Purchasing Habits of Organic Food

Although there has been a respectable amount of research on consumers’ opinions about organic food and their purchasing behavior, the college student demographic has not been thoroughly investigated. The university demographic is an important one, as the students are beginning to make their own food purchasing decisions. Previous research indicates that college students have positive attitudes toward organic food, as well as other alternative production practices. The purpose of this study was to determine college students’ knowledge, perceptions, and purchasing habits of organic foods at a southern land-grant university. Results indicated that of the total food goods purchased by students, 62% of students bought 1 to 25% organic food, almost 16% bought 0% organic food, and almost 16% bought 51 to 75% organic food. Additionally, students’ responses suggest that they are most motivated to purchase organic food for their own benefits, vs. to benefit the environment or farmers or workers. No significant difference was found among male and female students’ organic food purchasing habits. Although students are impacted by the behaviors and opinions of their parents and peers, parents played a larger role than peers in impacting college students’ organic food purchasing habits.

Percepción de los estudiantes universitarios de Ciencias de la Salud sobre las actitudes de los docentes y su influencia en el clima de aprendizaje

El clima del aula es un elemento básico para el aprendizaje y un indicador de la calidad educativa. El análisis de este aspecto puede ayudar a entender el proceso de desarrollo de los estudiantes, su motivación y los procesos de persistencia o abandono académico. El objetivo de este estudio es conocer la percepción que tienen los estudiantes universitarios acerca de las actitudes de sus profesores y su repercusión en el clima de aprendizaje. Se utilizó una metodología cualitativa. Para obtener información sobre sus percepciones, los alumnos realizaron descripciones escritas y sesiones con grupos focales de 8 participantes en cada una (alumnos de odontología, fisioterapia y medicina). El contenido de las sesiones fue grabado en audio y posteriormente transcrito y analizado. La información referente a las “actitudes negativas y positivas” de los profesores, fue clasificada por los alumnos en 5 categorías. El mayor número de comentarios sobre actitudes docentes se incluían en las categorías que denominaron “empatía y trato” y “dinámica de las clases”, seguidas de “coordinación y planificación”, “material, trabajos y evaluación” y “normativa”. Los estudiantes señalaron que las actitudes y comportamientos docentes tenían un claro efecto sobre el clima de aprendizaje e indicaron la motivación/desmotivación como repercusión principal. Consideramos que los comentarios de los alumnos pueden servir a los docentes como guía de autoevaluación de sus actitudes e intervenciones.

Facebook use and academic performance among college students: A mixed-methods study with a multi-ethnic sample

This paper uses a mixed-methods approach to examine the relation between online academic disclosure and academic performance. A multi-ethnic sample of college students (N=261; male=66; female=195; M age ≈ 22years) responded to open-ended questions about their Facebook use. Thematic analysis revealed that over 14% of the Facebook wall posts/status updates (N=714) contained academic themes; positive states were more frequent than negative and neutral states and students with lower GPAs expressed negative states more often. A path analysis suggested that academic performance may determine college students’ Facebook use, rather than the reverse. Implications for student support services are discussed.

Messages are Everywhere: Reading Perceptions, Habits, and Preferences of Undergraduates

As society continues to evolve, so do the methods that are used for text-based communication. Electronic books, mobile phone text messaging, and an array of internet-based texts are now combined with traditional print forms of text, broadly expanding text-based communication. However, student perceptions of reading may still be limited to interactions with traditional forms of text communication. To determine college students' perceptions of reading, their reading habits, and their learning preferences by source of text, we surveyed 152 undergraduates, rank ordering their responses. Our analysis revealed a lack of alignment between the participants' responses, with interaction with non-traditional forms of text ranked highest in reading habits while participants' perceptions and preferences for reading were focused more on traditional text-based forms of communication. Implications, directions for future research, and limitations are discussed.

College students’ readiness to reduce binge drinking: Criterion validity of a brief measure

We assessed the criterion-related validity of a contemplation ladder used to determine college students’ readiness to reduce binge drinking. 1356 students in halls of residence in Dunedin, New Zealand completed a self-report survey including the contemplation ladder, AUDIT questionnaire, and other alcohol-related measures. Two groups of binge drinkers were identified, one reporting bingeing more than twice per week ( n = 645), and one bingeing 1–2 times per week ( n = 237). A third group did not report binge drinking ( n = 474). A higher readiness to change binge drinking was associated with more frequent bingeing, more interpersonal and academic problems with alcohol, less frequent use of cannabis, and living in a hall with a norm of binge drinking. The contemplation ladder for alcohol was sensitive to other alcohol-related behaviours, and may be useful in surveys of drinking where a brief measure of readiness to change is needed.

College Students’ Perceptions of a Safe Spring Break Event

The most recent National College Health Assessment (2007) revealed that college students are engaging in risky health behaviors that are putting them at risk for death, disease, and injury. Studies suggest that certain college student risk behaviors, such as consuming alcohol, increases around certain times of the year and at certain events. Event specific prevention (ESP) programs have been introduced to many college campuses in order to address these risky behaviors. ESP is a strategy designed to reduce risk behaviors around certain events or during times of the year when risk behaviors increase. The purpose of this study was to determine college students’ perceptions of the effectiveness of a Safe Spring Break ESP program. A cross sectional survey, conducted with 223 students from a large Southeastern university, revealed that 89.9% learned something new at the event and 84.5% reported the information would be helpful while on spring break. Also, many students felt the event was effective or extremely effective at increasing their knowledge regarding specific health behaviors surrounding spring break. This study encourages universities to invest in implementing ESP programs. Recommendations for student wellness, student counseling, and student services regarding ESP programs are included.

20 Years Later and Still at Risk

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection rates in the United States continue unabated among some groups, with young adults of color at greater risk than others. This study sought to determine college students' knowledge, perceptions, and behaviors related to HIV/AIDS. Undergraduate students ( N = 443) at a large, urban Hispanic-serving institution in south Texas were surveyed. Participants' self-reported knowledge of HIV transmission was moderate; significant differences exist between age and ethnic groups for some items. Implications for education and prevention campaigns are discussed.

Agricultural Communications Students' Awareness And Perceptions Of Biotechnology Issues

The purpose of this study was to determine college students' awareness of and perceptions toward biotechnology issues reported in the mass media. Agricultural communications students (N = 330) responded from 11 land-grant universities in 10 states; respondents were mostly seniors (46%), female (55%), and considered themselves "B" average students (60%). Respondents were most aware of biotechnology practices affecting their food, but only somewhat aware of their effects on health or the environment. They were somewhat accepting of biotechnology practices for genetically modified organisms involving plant life, but viewed these same practices as somewhat unacceptable for using on humans. Respondents ranked knowledge from science classes, experience in science labs, and university professors' biotechnology beliefs as the top three sources used most often to form their perceptions about biotechnology. Agricultural communications educators are encouraged to seek opportunities that engage students in the learning processes of biotechnology, especially for students who lack an agricultural background. Such opportunities may include establishing student internships; site visits to biotechnology firms, regulatory and communication agencies; and professional interactions with biotechnology scientists.